According to the HuffPost, Federal regulations are strict about how pets can be transported on planes, which include having an approved carrier for the animal.

Varga's sister, Anne-Marie Varga, went to Facebook and had this to say about the incident:

"My brother Matt Varga had a ticket to evacuate Irma and was denied boarding because he didn't have a standard pet carrier. Glad that American Airlines has a heart for people (and their precious puppies) in Miami."